Syracuse man sentenced to 19 years for stabbing former friend

Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse man was sentenced today to 19 years in state prison for the fatal stabbing of one of his former best friends.

William Orr, 20, of W. Colvin Street, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of William Sullivan. Sullivan, 20, was fatally beaten and stabbed in front of his home on Hope Avenue Aug. 6, 2008.

Orr had nothing to say at sentencing. But the victim's father, William Sullivan Sr., told state Supreme Court Justice John Brunetti he could not hate Orr because he had been like a son to him as well.

"I will never forget him and I will never forget my son," the elder Sullivan said, noting he did not bear any feelings of revenge as he remembered all of the good times he had with his son and Orr.